"After a while you get a little tired ..." he said. "And number two, I want to be close to my family."

UTEP director of athletics Bob Stull said a national search was being launched to find a successor for Bailey, who endorsed offensive coordinator Gary Nord for the position.

Stull said Nord would be among those considered.

The AD also said the school appreciated the improvements Bailey had made in the program.

Bailey, 59, came to UTEP in 1990 as defensive coordinator and held that post for two seasons before going to the now-defunct Orlando Thunder of the World League of American Football in 1992. He returned to UTEP in 1993 as defensive coordinator in 1993.

Bailey was named head coach after seven games of the 1993 season, replacing David Lee, who was fired.

Bailey has a record of 19-53-1 at UTEP. At Memphis State, where Bailey was head coach from 1986-88, he compiled a 12-20-2 record.

This year's UTEP team finished 5-7, the best record since the 1988 team went 10-3 and appeared in the Independence Bowl.